Communications
• Use email instead of paper or faxes whenever practical, both for internal memos and for communications with clients and customers.
• Don't print email messages. Put the words "Don't print this email unless you really need to" at the bottom of all emails.
• Print less: Keep mailing lists current. Don't print more copies than you need or order extra on outside print jobs.
• Reuse what you can. Stock your fax machine with paper already printed on one side; reuse oversize envelopes and boxes; re-use one-sided "draft" paper in your printers. Printers and Copiers • As printers and copiers need to be replaced, reduce the number of printers you buy to save money, energy and office space. Purchase units that can print on both sides of a sheet of paper. Then set all computers and copiers to default to double-sided printing.
• Save and collect 8.5 by 11 inch paper that's been printed on one side, restack it neatly, designate a paper drawer on each printer (or as many printers as practical) for this paper, and use it to print drafts.
• Adjust the house style on word processing programs to use a slightly smaller font and slightly wider margins.
• Work on drafts electronically, using "edit" and "comment" word-processing features, instead of working on paper. Incoming Mail • Cut down on the number of periodical subscriptions you buy. Survey to see who subscribes to what, then trim duplicates and work out a sharing system. One way to share information is to circulate the table of contents for each periodical. Office Kitchen • Stock the kitchen with reusable mugs, plates, bowls, and utensils to discourage the use of paper and plastic disposables. Consider cloth napkins, or use paper towels with high postconsumer recycled content.
• Encourage employees who carry in lunches to use reusable bags and napkins.
• Encourage the use of tap water instead of bottled water. Recycling • Distribute recycling bins for paper to every workstation and make sure the cleaning crew knows what they're for.
• Post signs in centralized areas to encourage reuse and recycling, and to educate staff on what can and cannot be recycled. Buying Better Paper • Buy paper with the highest percentage of postconsumer recycled content available, never settling for less than 30 percent for uncoated paper or 10 percent for coated stock.
• After maximizing postconsumer recycled content, consider paper that contains other recovered materials, such as preconsumer recycled content or agricultural residues.
• Insist on "processed chlorine free" (PCF) paper. (What's PCF paper?)
• Always avoid paper made from 100 percent virgin pulp. If you do buy paper with virgin fiber content, be sure the virgin fiber comes from sustainably managed forests.
• Create a corporate purchasing policy that clearly outlines your goals and preferences for paper buying.
• On printed materials, include a line about the environmental characteristics of the paper you use.
• If you have a choice, buy products wrapped in the least packaging. Buy in bulk or in larger containers. |